Motherwort
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| Leonurus cardiaca ? |
Motherwort (sometimes known as Throw-wort, Lion's Ear or Lion's Tail the latter two of which are also common names for Leonotis leonurus) (Leonurus cardiaca) is a flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae.
Originally from Central Asia it is now found worldwide, spread largely due to its usefulness as a herbal remedy.
[edit] Medicinal uses
Motherwort has a long history of medicinal use. The plant, and its use as a medicinal herb, originated in Central Europe and Asia, although it has long been in use in the North America as well. The mature plant is between two to four feet in height, has pink flowers, and grows as a weed along roadsides and vacant fields. It is very useful for a variety of ills, and is very nourishing, much like stinging nettle or dandelion. The herb contains the alkaloid leonurine, which is a mild vasodilator and has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles. For this reason, it has long been used as a cardiac tonic, nervine, and an emmenagogue. Among other biochemical constituents, it also contains bitter iridoid glycosides, diterpinoids, flavonoids (including rutin and quercetin), tannins, volatile oils, and vitamin A. Midwives use it for a variety of purposes, including uterine tonic and prevention of uterine infection. Susun Weed recommends it for combating stress and promoting relaxation during pregnancy and says that, given during labor, it prevents hemorrhage. Michael Tierra, on the other hand, contraindicates it for internal use during pregnancy, as it does have the tendency to cause bleeding and may induce miscarriage. It was historically used in China to prevent pregnancy and to regulate menstration. Motherwort is also used to ease stomach gas and cramping, menopausal problems, and insomnia, although Susun Weed warns it may be habit forming if used regularly to combat sleeplessness. According to Michael Tierra, the traditional Chinese medicine energy and flavors are bitter, spicy, and slightly cold, and the systems affected are the pericardium and liver. The fresh or dried leaves are used, and the recommended dosage is the standard infusion of one ounce herb to one pint boiling water or 10-30 drops of tincture three times daily.
[edit] References
- The Way of Herbs by Michael Tierra, 1980, Pocket Books, New York, New York.
- Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun S. Weed, 1986, Woodstock, New York.
- The Herb Book by John Lust, 1974, Bantam, New York, New York.
- Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West by Michael Moore, 1979, The Museum of New Mexico Press, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
